The 7 Best Ankle Weights To Buy

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission on anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Ankle weights can be helpful pieces of fitness equipment but there are a lot of options to choose from. Find out what pair is the best for you.

Best ankle weights top picks

• Best overall: Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights
• Best above-average adjustability options: GYMENIST Adjustable Ankle Weights
• Best design/fan favorite: Bala Bangles
• Best for walking: Sportneer Adjustable Ankle/Wrist Weights
• Heaviest option: LEKÄRO Adjustable Ankle Weights
• Best for training glutes: CAP Barbell Adjustable Ankle Weights
• Best budget option: Tone Fitness Ankle/Wrist Weights

The list of top picks allows you to choose the best ankle weights for any specific training goals, preferences, or budget you have. If you just want good overall ankle weights, you can choose the top pair from Henkelion.

When it comes to weight, most people want to go for between 0.5 to 2 pounds (0.23 to 0.9 kg) for workouts like walking and dancing. For resistance training exercises you want heavy ankle weights, up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more, that are adjustable.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of ankle weights. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

• Maximum weights, materials, adjustability options, etc.
• User reviews
• Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
• Total price and price per pound
• Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

7 Best ankle weights reviewed in depth

If you are still not sure after the list of the top picks, you can also look at each of the ankle weights reviewed in depth to find out what pair the best choice is for you.

1. Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights

Our top pick for the best ankle weights is this pair of Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights. For most people this will be the best combination of helpful training features and a reasonable price.

These ankle weights are available in maximum weights ranging from 2 to 10 pounds (0.9 to 4.5 kg) per side. Each of these sizes has 5 removable weight bags in each ankle weight.

This allows you to adjust the weight down for different exercises and individuals. Additionally, if you are not sure what weight would be the right one for you, you can overestimate and adjust down as far as needed.

Something else where Henkelion stands out is the precise dimension details that are mentioned for most sizes. This information can save you from guessing and having to return ankle weights that are too big.

From these dimensions and the customer reviews, it becomes clear that the Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights are generally suited for small ankles. The smaller sizes can comfortably be used as wrist weights too.

Additional dimensions for the 10-pound size would be helpful but the other sizes are a great start. Something else to note is that a few individuals find adjusting the weights a bit annoying.

That being said, not all customers experience the same. Additionally, this is the same for most of the ankle weights with this common type of design.

2. GYMENIST Adjustable Ankle Weights

The GYMENIST Adjustable Ankle Weights are the top pick for the best adjustable ankle weights. They are a great combination of quality and many adjustment options.

If you are looking for the ankle weights with the most weight increments, one of the following pairs, the one from LEKÄRO, has even more adjustability options.

That being said, with 10 removable metal sticks of 0.55 pounds (0.25 kg) in each ankle weight, this pair from GYMENIST will be more than enough in this area.

One downside of this option is that it only goes up to 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg). For certain individuals and exercises this will not be challenging enough.

Additionally, the somewhat unique design with the steel bars can backfire somewhat. A few customers notice that these bars can cause wear and tear over time.

Another point where GYMENIST can improve is mentioning the dimension details of their ankle weights.

That being said, one customer mentions he/she was able to wrap the weights around his/her wrist with a circumference of 5.5″ (14 cm). Even for small ankles, this should be more than small enough.

If the maximum weight of the GYMENIST Adjustable Ankle Weights is enough for you, this is a great pair with a budget-friendly price per pound. A lot of the many happy customers will agree with this.

3. Bala Bangles

This next option is somewhat of a fan favorite due to its appearance on the tv show “Shark Tank”. The Bala Bangles take the concept of ankle weights and try to improve it in terms of design.

On top of the different shape, the Bala Bangles also stand out for the high number of color options. The brand name and different design do come with a few potential downsides.

Arguably the most important one is that you are not able to adjust the weights. If you know you either need the 1 or 2-pound (0.45 and 0.9 kg) models this is not as relevant.

However, most people either plan to get stronger or plan to do resistance training ankle weight exercises. These individuals likely want to get one of the other great ankle weight pairs.

Additionally, the Bala Bangles are a lot pricer than most of the other ankle weights. A few people also find them uncomfortable but this last point is more of a personal preference thing since many other people like the feel of the Bala Bangles.

This option is also not only beneficial when it comes to visuals. The material used is waterproof which can be helpful for sweaty or rainy situations.

These ankle weights are also suited for small ankles. A few customers mention the weights fit their 6″ (15.2 cm) circumference wrists with some room to spare. For ankles this should be more than small enough.

The Bala Bangles are definitely a pricey option. Whether they are worth this depends on things like your budget, personal preferences, workout plan, and strength level.

4. Sportneer Adjustable Ankle/Wrist Weights

This next model from Sportneer is the top pick for the best ankle weights for walking. The reason for this is the combination of a compact design, comfort, quality features, and reasonable price.

During long workouts like walking, the last thing you want is your ankle weights bumping into each other in every step. You also don’t want the ankle weights sliding around and rubbing your skin.

At the same time, the main workout principle of challenging yourself enough still applies. Luckily, the Sportneer Adjustable Ankle/Wrist Weights are a great pick for all of these things.

You can choose one of the different maximum weights ranging from 2 to 6.5 pounds (0.9 to 3 kg). Something to note is that certain maximum weights, like for example the 5-pound pair, can only be found on other product pages.

Each of these ankle weights comes with 5 weight bags that can be removed to get to the resistance you desire. Another benefit of the ankle weights from Sportneer is that individuals with small ankles can use them.

Some pairs could even be used as wrist weights depending on your wrist circumference. For example, the circumference of the 2-pound ankle weights can be adjusted between 5.2″ and 14.4″ (13.2 and 36.6 cm).

5. LEKÄRO Adjustable Ankle Weights

The LEKÄRO Adjustable Ankle Weights are the heaviest options available at the time of writing. Additionally, this is another pair with a relatively unique design.

These ankle weights are basically holders for small metal sticks. One benefit of this is that there are a really high number of different weight increments, 22 per side.

This allows you to find the perfect weight for the exercise you want to do and gradually build up as you get stronger. Another positive result of the design is that the weights don’t stick out as much as weight bag designs.

That being said, this weight does have to come from somewhere. The LEKÄRO Adjustable Ankle Weights are relatively long. Not everyone enjoys this.

A few customers also mention that their ankle weights move around a bit and/or that this pair does not always last as long. Even so, there are still a good number of people who really enjoy their ankle weights from LEKÄRO.

If you want the heaviest model available and don’t mind paying an above-average price per pound compared to similar maximum weights, you can definitely consider this option.

6. CAP Barbell Adjustable Ankle Weights

This next pair from CAP Barbell has a few valuable features that make it a great option for glute (butt) exercises. First of all, the maximum weight of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) on each side is relatively high.

The glute muscles are relatively strong compared to other muscles so to grow and strengthen them you need enough resistance.

Secondly, these ankle weights each have 5 removable weight bags of 2 pounds (0.9 kg). This allows you to gradually increase the resistance as your glutes (or other muscles) get stronger.

A feature that is less essential for the workout itself but helpful anyway is the budget-friendly price per pound.

Two potential downsides you do have to keep in mind are that some people find the CAP Barbell Adjustable Ankle Weights a bit uncomfortable and that they are only available in one size.

If 10 pounds (4.5 kg) on each side is too much for you, you give up smaller weight increments and potentially pay a bit more.

For the right people, this pair from CAP Barbell is a budget-friendly yet quality pair of ankle weights. For other individuals, one of the other options will be better.

7. Tone Fitness Ankle/Wrist Weights

The Tone Fitness Ankle/Wrist Weights are not one of the best ankle weights in the sense that they are high-quality. Instead, they can be a budget-friendly way to see if training with ankle or wrist weights would be something for you.

Another positive point about this option is that its circumference is suited for small ankles and wrists.

Additionally, some people just don’t need more than 1 pound (0.45 kg) on each ankle. However, most individuals do want something more challenging over time.

At this point, one of the other ankle weights will be heavier, of higher quality, and more budget-friendly per pound.

How to choose ankle weights

Ankle weights are not the most complicated piece of fitness equipment but there are a few details that are important. Some of these include:

1. Size: To be able to use ankle weights they need to be adjustable to the size of your ankles. You also don’t just want them to fit somewhat, they need to fit well. Typically people don’t like their ankle weights rubbing back and forth against their skin, especially in longer-duration workouts like walking.
2. Maximum weight: One of the main principles of working out is challenging yourself hard enough. That means you want your ankle weights to be heavy enough for the workouts you intend to do.
3. Weight adjustability: The amount of weight that is challenging but not too hard varies from exercise to exercise. Additionally, people can get stronger over time. You might also not be sure yet what weight is right for you. In all of these situations, the ability to adjust how heavy the ankle weights are is valuable.
4. Comfort: Different ankle weights have different materials and designs. These can influence how comfortable the models are. Somewhat comfortable ankle weights are especially important for longer workouts like walking, dancing, pilates, and basketball.
5. Price: The previous features of ankle weights are generally a lot more important due to the relatively small price differences. That being said, sometimes you can get more benefits for a lower price.

By thinking about what you are looking for in the ankle weight features above, it can become easier to find the best pair for your personally.

FAQ